Successful CICA claim but….

pinkcorr

I feel like a fool.
i have waited over 6 years for criminal injuries compensation. 

It was a historical childhood abuse case, and my abuser was found guilty over 6 years ago.
however, i was vulnerable and still am. But more so just after the court case and just went with another one of the victims solicitors. And I really wish I hadn’t.
I’ve been taken for a mug, told by the solicitor over the years that I’ll get a substantial amount when I’m actually going to end up with around the same amount I was offered when I applied 6 years ago.
It went to tribunal, and I ended up with a barrister, which I’ve only just been told I’ve to pay fees for?! I was never told that before. The tribunal was two weeks ago. And I STILL don’t know exactly how much I will end up with. Plus I will have to place the money in trust and personal injury bank account. Which will delay things even longer.
my solicitor is dragging her heals even though she is aware that this is greatly affecting my physical and mental health.
She had told me at one point that I would get enough to buy a house outright. Which is hilarious now and which I realised as time went on was nonsense. I’m getting a pittance for all the time I’ve waited. It’s not even what I went through as a child, as money will never compensate for that. It’s the time it’s taken with the CICA, the lack of transparency, compassion and updates from the solicitor that’s been the worst. And she’s still dragging her feet. 

I very rarely am able to leave the house due to several disabilities. And had hoped I would be able to at least have our flat done up to a high standard. But it doesn’t seem likely. We might manage a nice resort holiday. But I am past being well enough now to go on any dream holidays and sight see.
so I will just have to make the most of it.

She said she might be in touch on Friday but it might be next week. I knew it wasn’t going to be on Friday. I have no idea when she will be in touch.
I truly wish I had known back 6 years ago, how these no win no fee solicitor operates.
even if I had gone with a better company.
im assuming complaining somewhere isn’t worth it either.

i suppose this is just a warning for folk to please be careful and look into companies and solicitors if you want to use them for a CICA claim.

I’ve learned the hard way. 

marcia_

 Huge hugs. I understand your struggle. I'm also waiting on criminal injuries. At the appeal stage and won't be taking it to tribunal if I lose because I'm doing it myself, no solicitor. I know the most I can get for my type of injuries is £27k, so far they offered £13k.

 Do you have any of the original documents you signed with the solicitor? They will say the % they will take in fees. 

 Please try and stay calm and focus on the fact it means your disabling injuries are the result of this persons attack on you which might give validation and closure. 

PHK

This is probably something for Praise,Vents and Warnings or a legal forum. 

I'm sure everyone here will have great sympathy with you but it's not a consumer rights issue and it's very unlikely that anyone will have the specialist knowledge to help you. 

I can only give you general advice. Make a formal complaint to the solicitor and speak with the Solicitors Regulation Authority about how you can take it further. 

pinkcorr

PHK said:

This is probably something for Praise,Vents and Warnings or a legal forum. 

I'm sure everyone here will have great sympathy with you but it's not a consumer rights issue and it's very unlikely that anyone will have the specialist knowledge to help you. 

I can only give you general advice. Make a formal complaint to the solicitor and speak with the Solicitors Regulation Authority about how you can take it further. 

Sorry I didn’t know there was a part of the forum like that.
I’m not sure how to move this but appreciate your reply.